Well the answer to the blog title is I don't really know, but somehow I managed to do it! After managing 30:41 for 5km the other night, I figured I hadn't given that my all and still had a little left in the tank. I was curious to see what kind of fitness I had.
So this morning as I lined up for my 5km race, the hopeful goal was to see whether I could manage to get under 30 minutes. I had only done that once before, and only just - my time was 29:57.
I have a habit of sometimes going out too fast, so I tried to keep things steady for the first couple of kms. I didn't check my watch until halfway, and I was bang on target, 15:02. I knew I had to keep up the pace, and pick things up just marginally on the way home. Things stayed pretty steady, and I was at 17:58 for 3km, then I got to a point on the course where a bus transitway cross the route. The local SES man this intersection, and race rules are that if a bus is coming through and the SES tell you to stop, you have to stop. Unluckily, I had to stop. It wasn't for long though, maybe 10 seconds, but I didn't have much time up my sleeve at that stage! Truth be told, the very breif breather was welcome! Anyway, on I went again, knowing I had to make up a little time. I did that, and was again on target at 4kms, so then I figured with 2km to go, I would just give it everything to see what I could do and just hang on for dear life! I knew I had managed to pick up the pace a little and reel in someone I had been chasing for a km or so, but I was absolutely astonished to cross the line in 29:16 (by my watch)!!! I must have flown in that last km!
The funny thing is, I really haven't been running at all lately. I've done 2 runs this week, one a couple of weeks before that, and that's about it. I have done a long bike ride once every week (of between 35 and 60kms) which I think has improved my cardiovascular fitness and endurance, and I have lost about 5km over the last 3 months which I think has helped.
I've signed up for the full series of these races, one each month, so I'm curious to see if I can squeeze any more improvement out if I actually do some running training! Hopefully the new PB will help motivate me to keep running some more!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
And again...
Well, I've started on another comeback attempt on running. I've run a couple of times now, but I hadn't blogged about it yet just in case it didn't stick. I've also been doing some long bike rides, as I'm doing the Sydney to the Gong bike ride in a week or so.
So far, I've only done about 5 to 6.5km runs, but I have been pleasantly surprised that I have been able to run at about the same times as previously when I was running consistently. I did an informal 5km run at race pace last Friday with a group of Coolrunners, and I managed 30 mins 41 secs. My best for 5km is 29 mins 54 secs so I was pretty pleased with myself!
This morning I had to go to a course for work so I was able to get up at my normal time and fit in a run before work... I felt great going off to work knowing it was done for the day! Problem is on any normal day I leave so early I would be running in the dark, and I'm not fussed about that in my area.
This Sunday I have an actual 5km race planned, and the forecast is for rain, so we'll see how hard core I will be with my running! (And what kind of time I can post!) I've also lined up a work friend to run with each Thursday afternoon so hopefully that will motivate me a little.
Anyway, stay tuned for future posts!
So far, I've only done about 5 to 6.5km runs, but I have been pleasantly surprised that I have been able to run at about the same times as previously when I was running consistently. I did an informal 5km run at race pace last Friday with a group of Coolrunners, and I managed 30 mins 41 secs. My best for 5km is 29 mins 54 secs so I was pretty pleased with myself!
This morning I had to go to a course for work so I was able to get up at my normal time and fit in a run before work... I felt great going off to work knowing it was done for the day! Problem is on any normal day I leave so early I would be running in the dark, and I'm not fussed about that in my area.
This Sunday I have an actual 5km race planned, and the forecast is for rain, so we'll see how hard core I will be with my running! (And what kind of time I can post!) I've also lined up a work friend to run with each Thursday afternoon so hopefully that will motivate me a little.
Anyway, stay tuned for future posts!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Pushing me
Unbelievable - I have some runs to report. My uncle is still here on his visit, and we have been out a couple of times, both forcing each other to run out of guilt that we won't make the city to surf! Neither of us have particularly wanted to, and we know we should, and neither wants to let the other down... the strategy has worked well!
The other thing that has helped my running is that he is faster than me. His pace is only a small fraction slower than my race pace, so I have been trying hard to keep up with him. I think I have slowed him a tad, but it has kept me working hard. I have managed ok until today, when we did a two lap run and I flagged badly half way through the second lap.
This week I ran on my own on Wednesday evening, then again yesterday and again today. I'll have my uncle to run with next week two, and then he will be home for a week or two before another visit.
Now, if only my calves would stop hurting I could recover for me next run!
The other thing that has helped my running is that he is faster than me. His pace is only a small fraction slower than my race pace, so I have been trying hard to keep up with him. I think I have slowed him a tad, but it has kept me working hard. I have managed ok until today, when we did a two lap run and I flagged badly half way through the second lap.
This week I ran on my own on Wednesday evening, then again yesterday and again today. I'll have my uncle to run with next week two, and then he will be home for a week or two before another visit.
Now, if only my calves would stop hurting I could recover for me next run!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Newton's Law
Today's run: 6.4km in 43 mins 7 secs
I studied physics at high school. One of Newton's Laws said that an object at rest will remain at rest until acted on by a force. Well, as far as running goes, I had been well and truly at rest for the last month.
My excuses are as follows:
So we gave each other a bit of HTFU and went out for a run today, which turned out to be one of the nicest days in the last month or two. Only a 6.4km run, but he runs a little faster than me so I worked quite hard to keep up the pace, which I suppose does me good.
Now to remain in motion!
I studied physics at high school. One of Newton's Laws said that an object at rest will remain at rest until acted on by a force. Well, as far as running goes, I had been well and truly at rest for the last month.
My excuses are as follows:
- We had drenching rain every day for at least a week or so, followed by lots of just plain heavy rain after that
- I had a cold
- It was half-yearly-exam marking and report writing season at school, the busiest time
- It's dark when I get home and there aren't too many safe places to run
So we gave each other a bit of HTFU and went out for a run today, which turned out to be one of the nicest days in the last month or two. Only a 6.4km run, but he runs a little faster than me so I worked quite hard to keep up the pace, which I suppose does me good.
Now to remain in motion!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
That's more like it
Today's run: 4.8km in 36 mins 15 secs
This morning I was a little sore after yesterday's longer-than-usual effort.
So I was very excited when I managed to get in a fairly good 5km. (Well, my loop is 4.8km but let's not split hairs). I felt so much more comfortable, with more energy and leg strength than yesterday. Now, of course I ran much further yesterday but even at the start of yesterday's run I never felt that good.
I just need to work out what pleases the Running God so I can have more nice comfy runs like that. I figure if I can keep churning out the kilometres like that fairly easily the speed and endurance will come.
This morning I was a little sore after yesterday's longer-than-usual effort.
So I was very excited when I managed to get in a fairly good 5km. (Well, my loop is 4.8km but let's not split hairs). I felt so much more comfortable, with more energy and leg strength than yesterday. Now, of course I ran much further yesterday but even at the start of yesterday's run I never felt that good.
I just need to work out what pleases the Running God so I can have more nice comfy runs like that. I figure if I can keep churning out the kilometres like that fairly easily the speed and endurance will come.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Good for time, not for distance!
Today's run: 10.8km, 1hr 41 mins 58 secs
Today, I really wanted to push myself to increase the distance of my long run. My longest run to date has been the Mothers Day Classic a couple of weeks ago, which was 8km. I want to make sure that when it comes to City to Surf time, that I can go for that length of time!
So on the one hand I was pleased that I went quite a bit further than lately, however it was super slow. There were definately several walk breaks, including most of the last kilometre, and I was very pleased when I had wait for quite a while at several sets of traffic lights to cross the road.
But the good thing is that the length of my "run" today was about the same length of time that I will likely be out on the road for the City to Surf. I'm thinking next weekend I might do the same route, hopefully walking a little less, and then increase it a little further again in a few more weeks.
Anyway, we're on the way!
Today, I really wanted to push myself to increase the distance of my long run. My longest run to date has been the Mothers Day Classic a couple of weeks ago, which was 8km. I want to make sure that when it comes to City to Surf time, that I can go for that length of time!
So on the one hand I was pleased that I went quite a bit further than lately, however it was super slow. There were definately several walk breaks, including most of the last kilometre, and I was very pleased when I had wait for quite a while at several sets of traffic lights to cross the road.
But the good thing is that the length of my "run" today was about the same length of time that I will likely be out on the road for the City to Surf. I'm thinking next weekend I might do the same route, hopefully walking a little less, and then increase it a little further again in a few more weeks.
Anyway, we're on the way!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
At least now I can log a run
Today's run: 4.9km, 39 mins 58 secs
Well I'm back to ridiculously slow times again. But at least today I can say that I went for a run after a week of no runs at all. No runs and laziness.
And I am so amazed that I got out for todays run at all. When I run during the week, I often run over to my parents place and stay and have dinner, then one of them drops me home. Their place is 5km away (well, 4.9 to be exact). I had to stay back at work for a meeting this afternoon, so when that finished at 4:30, I gave them a ring to see if it would be ok if I came over for dinner today (I love my parents). So I left work at about 4:45 and instead of the usual 30 minutes to get home, it took about 50 minutes. There was an accident today too which meant that I took a different route home, one that in fact took me past my parents place. My hands wanted so badly to take the steering wheel and veer over to pull up outside their place. I could have just stayed there instead of going home, changing, and running over and it would have been so much easier! I mean, it's not like I am one of those people who desperately loves running and can't wait to get out there.
But I tried valiantly to remind myself about how much I would like it once I started, and about how good it would be once I had finished, and so I did in fact manage to drive past my parents without stopping. I call that an achievement.
The run wasn't wonderful, in fact it was a tad uncomfortable in some spots, and I didn't really have the energy or motivation to push it much today. But like I tried to convince myself, I was pleased once I had it done.
'Spose I just need to keep reminding myself of that!
Well I'm back to ridiculously slow times again. But at least today I can say that I went for a run after a week of no runs at all. No runs and laziness.
And I am so amazed that I got out for todays run at all. When I run during the week, I often run over to my parents place and stay and have dinner, then one of them drops me home. Their place is 5km away (well, 4.9 to be exact). I had to stay back at work for a meeting this afternoon, so when that finished at 4:30, I gave them a ring to see if it would be ok if I came over for dinner today (I love my parents). So I left work at about 4:45 and instead of the usual 30 minutes to get home, it took about 50 minutes. There was an accident today too which meant that I took a different route home, one that in fact took me past my parents place. My hands wanted so badly to take the steering wheel and veer over to pull up outside their place. I could have just stayed there instead of going home, changing, and running over and it would have been so much easier! I mean, it's not like I am one of those people who desperately loves running and can't wait to get out there.
But I tried valiantly to remind myself about how much I would like it once I started, and about how good it would be once I had finished, and so I did in fact manage to drive past my parents without stopping. I call that an achievement.
The run wasn't wonderful, in fact it was a tad uncomfortable in some spots, and I didn't really have the energy or motivation to push it much today. But like I tried to convince myself, I was pleased once I had it done.
'Spose I just need to keep reminding myself of that!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Cut-back week
Which really means no-running week. I was a sook last week about running in the rain. I know so many runners who are tough, gutsy people and who will do ANYTHING to get a run in. But I am not one of them. And so I didn't run. And now I feel bad. Guess it serves me right really!
One thing I DID do though, was enter this years City to Surf again with my Uncle. We just made it into the SH2 start from our results last year. Hopefully the thought of having to run 14km in the not too distant future will motivate me to pound the pavement a bit more.
Oh well, everyone has off weeks I suppose...
One thing I DID do though, was enter this years City to Surf again with my Uncle. We just made it into the SH2 start from our results last year. Hopefully the thought of having to run 14km in the not too distant future will motivate me to pound the pavement a bit more.
Oh well, everyone has off weeks I suppose...
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Slightly better
Today's run: 5km in 40 mins 21 secs
Well, today's run wasn't the complete disaster that yesterdays was. I usually don't run 5km this slowly in training even, but I was consiously trying to keep things slow and steady so I could get it all done comfortably, which I did. Once I reached about 4km, I had to decide whether to turn right, making it a 7.5km run, or left, making it a 5km run. Obviously, I chose left, but I figured after how tired I was on Friday night and my crappy run yesterday, I would just take this as my cut back week and keep it short and sweet. I also figure if I do lots of runs like todays that are fairly comfortable and not too challenging, whilst I might not get super quick super fast I will hopefully maintain some enthusiasm for running!
So today finished up my 3-runs-a-week-for-3-weeks goal. Go me! As of today, I'm setting myself the same goal again, which sounds like a bit of a cop out, but is actually harder. We're coming into exam and report season at work, which is always redunkulously busy, and it's getting colder too. (I know temperature shouldn't matter too much, but I am a wuss).
Well, today's run wasn't the complete disaster that yesterdays was. I usually don't run 5km this slowly in training even, but I was consiously trying to keep things slow and steady so I could get it all done comfortably, which I did. Once I reached about 4km, I had to decide whether to turn right, making it a 7.5km run, or left, making it a 5km run. Obviously, I chose left, but I figured after how tired I was on Friday night and my crappy run yesterday, I would just take this as my cut back week and keep it short and sweet. I also figure if I do lots of runs like todays that are fairly comfortable and not too challenging, whilst I might not get super quick super fast I will hopefully maintain some enthusiasm for running!
So today finished up my 3-runs-a-week-for-3-weeks goal. Go me! As of today, I'm setting myself the same goal again, which sounds like a bit of a cop out, but is actually harder. We're coming into exam and report season at work, which is always redunkulously busy, and it's getting colder too. (I know temperature shouldn't matter too much, but I am a wuss).
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Some runs just don't go to plan
Today's run: 5km in 46 mins 13 secs (yes, that time is apalling).
The last week at work has been a long one. In particular on Thursday and Friday I have been dealing with quite an involved, emotional and draining issue with some students. I knew on Friday evening that I was tired, but I didn't realise just how tired I was. I had my usual drink after work with some friends, and was starving on the way home so I grabbed some Mc Donalds for dinner. I really have been making such an effort to eat more healthily lately too, so I was a bit ashamed of that. When I got home, I just dumped my stuff on the floor and lay on the couch, where I promptly fell asleep for an hour whilst watching Better Homes and Gardens. I only woke up because I received a text message from a friend. I stayed awake for a couple of hours, then went to bed at about 10pm, sleeping through until 9am this morning. So that's 12 hours sleep. Like I said, I knew I was tired, but not THAT tired!
So when I finally got myself going this morning for a run, I felt quite refreshed and I figured I might likely have a good run with lots of energy. How wrong can I be? I just had NO energy whatsoever. I haven't walked this much in a 'run' for quite a long time. It was very windy out today, but it was a reasonably warm wind. I have to say that getting out for a walk/run was actually quite enjoyable, I just couldn't get myself going. I felt like a wind up toy that hadn't been wound up.
Oh well, here's hoping there's better runs around the corner. And only one more run tomorrow until I have completed my 3-runs-a-week-for-3-weeks goal. And I'm still not getting too worried by being slow or not running too far, which is good!
The last week at work has been a long one. In particular on Thursday and Friday I have been dealing with quite an involved, emotional and draining issue with some students. I knew on Friday evening that I was tired, but I didn't realise just how tired I was. I had my usual drink after work with some friends, and was starving on the way home so I grabbed some Mc Donalds for dinner. I really have been making such an effort to eat more healthily lately too, so I was a bit ashamed of that. When I got home, I just dumped my stuff on the floor and lay on the couch, where I promptly fell asleep for an hour whilst watching Better Homes and Gardens. I only woke up because I received a text message from a friend. I stayed awake for a couple of hours, then went to bed at about 10pm, sleeping through until 9am this morning. So that's 12 hours sleep. Like I said, I knew I was tired, but not THAT tired!
So when I finally got myself going this morning for a run, I felt quite refreshed and I figured I might likely have a good run with lots of energy. How wrong can I be? I just had NO energy whatsoever. I haven't walked this much in a 'run' for quite a long time. It was very windy out today, but it was a reasonably warm wind. I have to say that getting out for a walk/run was actually quite enjoyable, I just couldn't get myself going. I felt like a wind up toy that hadn't been wound up.
Oh well, here's hoping there's better runs around the corner. And only one more run tomorrow until I have completed my 3-runs-a-week-for-3-weeks goal. And I'm still not getting too worried by being slow or not running too far, which is good!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
So sleepy...
Today's run: 4.9km, 39 mins 21 secs
Well it's 9pm, and I'm in bed about to go to sleep with my lap top on my lap and the electric blanket on. It's been a busy week. I've been out on Tuesday and Wednesday until about 9:30pm each night, and tonight I was out until about 6, came home, changed and ran to Mum and Dad's for dinner. I sat on the couch for 5 minutes after dinner and the last few days really caught up with me - I just cameover so tired!
Tonights run was slow, but I got it done, and that's all I'm focusing on at the moment. After a crappy day at work, it was nice to pound away some frustrations and try and leave some of it behind. It also wasn't too cold tonight which always makes it not as hard to get out for a run.
The mother's day run last weekend was great. Mum and Dad came and watched, even though it started at 7:30am. Even though I hadn't run 8km in a long, long time, I didn't find the distance too bad, and in fact I ran the second 4km loop 2 minutes quicker than the first one. My time was about 52 minutes-ish - nothing to write home about, but remember we're trying to keep it all about having fun and enjoying it in Slow Poke land here at the moment. The goody bag was great too! A medal, tupperware drink bottle, fruit, vouchers, a magazine, some sample products and a mug. Even though it was an expensive entry, it was a good booty haul and a great cause.
OK. Now getting even more sleepy... time to turn this baby off and get some shut eye.
Well it's 9pm, and I'm in bed about to go to sleep with my lap top on my lap and the electric blanket on. It's been a busy week. I've been out on Tuesday and Wednesday until about 9:30pm each night, and tonight I was out until about 6, came home, changed and ran to Mum and Dad's for dinner. I sat on the couch for 5 minutes after dinner and the last few days really caught up with me - I just cameover so tired!
Tonights run was slow, but I got it done, and that's all I'm focusing on at the moment. After a crappy day at work, it was nice to pound away some frustrations and try and leave some of it behind. It also wasn't too cold tonight which always makes it not as hard to get out for a run.
The mother's day run last weekend was great. Mum and Dad came and watched, even though it started at 7:30am. Even though I hadn't run 8km in a long, long time, I didn't find the distance too bad, and in fact I ran the second 4km loop 2 minutes quicker than the first one. My time was about 52 minutes-ish - nothing to write home about, but remember we're trying to keep it all about having fun and enjoying it in Slow Poke land here at the moment. The goody bag was great too! A medal, tupperware drink bottle, fruit, vouchers, a magazine, some sample products and a mug. Even though it was an expensive entry, it was a good booty haul and a great cause.
OK. Now getting even more sleepy... time to turn this baby off and get some shut eye.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Ying and Yang
Today's run: 3.2km in 25 mins 56 seconds
As I predicted the other day, I had a crappy run today following my fantastic run during the week. I don't know whether it was a fait au complit or because I expected it to be bad.
I had no energy in my legs (a problem I regularly complain about though....), no motivation and no mental toughness. I resorted to walking up the hill on my route, something I haven't done in quite a while.
Tomorrow I have entered an 8km Mother's Day fun run. Here's hoping I last all 8km respectably. I have some doubts at the moment. My parents are coming to watch, and then we're going back to my place to have breakfast on the balcony. Should be nice!
As I predicted the other day, I had a crappy run today following my fantastic run during the week. I don't know whether it was a fait au complit or because I expected it to be bad.
I had no energy in my legs (a problem I regularly complain about though....), no motivation and no mental toughness. I resorted to walking up the hill on my route, something I haven't done in quite a while.
Tomorrow I have entered an 8km Mother's Day fun run. Here's hoping I last all 8km respectably. I have some doubts at the moment. My parents are coming to watch, and then we're going back to my place to have breakfast on the balcony. Should be nice!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
I finally get it!
Today's run: 4.9km in I-have-no-idea-how-long
Today was a long day at work. It was school photo day, so that meant getting up fifteen minutes earlier at 5:15am to make myself pretty! Then my day started with a parent interview at 7:30am and the entire rest of the day was taken up with student interviews. Follow that with a faculty meeting after school for an hour and a half, and I'm surprised I made it home in one piece. Often I leave school with at least some energy, but after a half an hour drive home, anything remaining is well and truly gone...
But tonight, strangely, I still felt alright when I got home. A miracle! So I decided to change straight away and get a run in. If I sit on the couch for even 5 minutes it's a dangerous thing, so it is to be avoided at all costs if I want to run. Off I head, down the three floors of stairs in my apartment block. Bottom floor. Damn, no watch. Now, as a maths teacher I love nothing better than having lots of numbers to put into nice graphs and charts and tables to measure stuff about my running, so not having a watch bothered me. The most bothersome thing about it is entering a distance for my run but no time. Oh well, I think, you can cope without a watch this once, and it's three floors back up. I walk a little further down the street, still thinking about turning around to go back and get the watch, but decide against it. On I go.
As soon as I started running tonight, for reasons unknown to me, I started running with a different style. And it just felt good. Smooth. Powerful. More 'bouncy' rather than a shuffle. Energetic. More efficient. Faster. In all the years that I have been running off and on, I have had moments of 'brilliance' like this where things have felt goof, but it has never lasted past 100m. Either I lose my form, or energy or both. Today, I kept expecting that sooner rather than later I would run out of steam and my old shuffle would return..... but it just never happened.
It's funny, I have always been adament in calling what I do "running", but in reality when I say it's a bit of a shuffle, it's not far off the truth. Today, for the first time, it really felt like running. It felt good!
Long live the good runs! Now I wonder how long this little breakthrough can sustain my interest and motivation, cos no doubt there'll be a crap run coming my way soon now!
PS. And after such a good run, no way of checking whether it was a PB for that route, or whether in fact I felt faster vs actually ran faster! Pooh!
Today was a long day at work. It was school photo day, so that meant getting up fifteen minutes earlier at 5:15am to make myself pretty! Then my day started with a parent interview at 7:30am and the entire rest of the day was taken up with student interviews. Follow that with a faculty meeting after school for an hour and a half, and I'm surprised I made it home in one piece. Often I leave school with at least some energy, but after a half an hour drive home, anything remaining is well and truly gone...
But tonight, strangely, I still felt alright when I got home. A miracle! So I decided to change straight away and get a run in. If I sit on the couch for even 5 minutes it's a dangerous thing, so it is to be avoided at all costs if I want to run. Off I head, down the three floors of stairs in my apartment block. Bottom floor. Damn, no watch. Now, as a maths teacher I love nothing better than having lots of numbers to put into nice graphs and charts and tables to measure stuff about my running, so not having a watch bothered me. The most bothersome thing about it is entering a distance for my run but no time. Oh well, I think, you can cope without a watch this once, and it's three floors back up. I walk a little further down the street, still thinking about turning around to go back and get the watch, but decide against it. On I go.
As soon as I started running tonight, for reasons unknown to me, I started running with a different style. And it just felt good. Smooth. Powerful. More 'bouncy' rather than a shuffle. Energetic. More efficient. Faster. In all the years that I have been running off and on, I have had moments of 'brilliance' like this where things have felt goof, but it has never lasted past 100m. Either I lose my form, or energy or both. Today, I kept expecting that sooner rather than later I would run out of steam and my old shuffle would return..... but it just never happened.
It's funny, I have always been adament in calling what I do "running", but in reality when I say it's a bit of a shuffle, it's not far off the truth. Today, for the first time, it really felt like running. It felt good!
Long live the good runs! Now I wonder how long this little breakthrough can sustain my interest and motivation, cos no doubt there'll be a crap run coming my way soon now!
PS. And after such a good run, no way of checking whether it was a PB for that route, or whether in fact I felt faster vs actually ran faster! Pooh!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
A slightly longer run
Today's run: 7.5km in 1 hr, 1 min and 8 secs
This morning I planned on runnning a little further than I have normally been running. I entered myself in the 8km Mother's Day Classic next weekend, so I figured I needed to get something in that was close to that distance as at least some sort of quasi-preparation.
It was a little cool when I headed out this morning... I could have done with gloves to start, but I am a wuss about temperature. Today's run though just wasn't a patch on yesterday evenings. I had much heavier legs, I didn't feel as smooth or comfortable, and my head wasn't in the game quite as much. Funny how sometimes runs are like that. Still, aside from a toilet stop and a couple of sets of traffic lights I had to wait at, I kept it going for the whole distance in the embarassingly slow time of an hour.
Still, it's done and I know I can run the distance now. I've just come back in and cooked and eaten my scrambled eggs for breakfast, now it's shower time and on with the rest of my day!
This morning I planned on runnning a little further than I have normally been running. I entered myself in the 8km Mother's Day Classic next weekend, so I figured I needed to get something in that was close to that distance as at least some sort of quasi-preparation.
It was a little cool when I headed out this morning... I could have done with gloves to start, but I am a wuss about temperature. Today's run though just wasn't a patch on yesterday evenings. I had much heavier legs, I didn't feel as smooth or comfortable, and my head wasn't in the game quite as much. Funny how sometimes runs are like that. Still, aside from a toilet stop and a couple of sets of traffic lights I had to wait at, I kept it going for the whole distance in the embarassingly slow time of an hour.
Still, it's done and I know I can run the distance now. I've just come back in and cooked and eaten my scrambled eggs for breakfast, now it's shower time and on with the rest of my day!
Friday, May 1, 2009
No drink, but a run
Today's run: 4.9km in 37 minutes
On Friday afternoons after work, I normally go with a couple of friends to a local pub for a drink. It's a great opportunity to unwind, socialise and have a good long whinge about work before going home for the weekend! After the first week back, I really felt like my normal Friday drinks, however my usual compadres had other plans today. So rather reluctantly, I headed home early.
It turned out ok though. When I got home, I had a really long nap (for an hour and a half!). I love my nana naps as much asthe next person but I usually don't sleep that long - I must have really needed it! Once I woke up, I ran over to Mum and Dad's again. In the evening when it's dark I like doing that run. There are plenty of street lights, and although the route is on a busy road, in the dark that's not such a bad thing. I'm not too keen on running around the streets too close to my place in the dark and alone.
Dinner was fish and chips (yum!) and after a cup of tea, Mum dropped me home where I have promptly changed into pyjamas. A little tv, maybe some craft time and an early night.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to do a reasonable length run since I'm doing the 8km Mother's Day run next weekend and I'm not technically back to running 8km yet!
On Friday afternoons after work, I normally go with a couple of friends to a local pub for a drink. It's a great opportunity to unwind, socialise and have a good long whinge about work before going home for the weekend! After the first week back, I really felt like my normal Friday drinks, however my usual compadres had other plans today. So rather reluctantly, I headed home early.
It turned out ok though. When I got home, I had a really long nap (for an hour and a half!). I love my nana naps as much asthe next person but I usually don't sleep that long - I must have really needed it! Once I woke up, I ran over to Mum and Dad's again. In the evening when it's dark I like doing that run. There are plenty of street lights, and although the route is on a busy road, in the dark that's not such a bad thing. I'm not too keen on running around the streets too close to my place in the dark and alone.
Dinner was fish and chips (yum!) and after a cup of tea, Mum dropped me home where I have promptly changed into pyjamas. A little tv, maybe some craft time and an early night.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to do a reasonable length run since I'm doing the 8km Mother's Day run next weekend and I'm not technically back to running 8km yet!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Back to the grindstone
Today's run: 4.9km, 39 mins 3 secs
First day back at school today. Man, it was hard. It's the kind of job where you really hit the ground running... there is no 'easing' back into things. All I seem to have done today is make an enormous list of things to do, not cross a single thing off, and get a big fat headache.
So after work today, I got out of there as soon as possible. I came home a crashed on the couch for an hour (I love a good nana nap), then got up, dressed and ran to Mum and Dad's for dinner. Whilst I didn't achieve anything work-wise, I really needed the sleep (I had to get up 4 hours earlier today than what I was at the end of the holidays!!!) and the run helped me clear my mind and de-stress (well, temporarily because I have now just gotten home again and seen the big fat pile of work!).
Oh well. Only an hour or so before my early term-time bedtime, so I won't get too much done tonight. I can't work just before bed otherwise I get worked up and can't sleep. Surely it can only get better!
Run wise the best thing was I have the first of my three-runs-for-the-week done, and it wasn't a bad run. (Sorry, for the moment there I forgot that this was a running blog and not an opportunity for me to just have a whinge!)
Hopefully the mood here will be better next time!
First day back at school today. Man, it was hard. It's the kind of job where you really hit the ground running... there is no 'easing' back into things. All I seem to have done today is make an enormous list of things to do, not cross a single thing off, and get a big fat headache.
So after work today, I got out of there as soon as possible. I came home a crashed on the couch for an hour (I love a good nana nap), then got up, dressed and ran to Mum and Dad's for dinner. Whilst I didn't achieve anything work-wise, I really needed the sleep (I had to get up 4 hours earlier today than what I was at the end of the holidays!!!) and the run helped me clear my mind and de-stress (well, temporarily because I have now just gotten home again and seen the big fat pile of work!).
Oh well. Only an hour or so before my early term-time bedtime, so I won't get too much done tonight. I can't work just before bed otherwise I get worked up and can't sleep. Surely it can only get better!
Run wise the best thing was I have the first of my three-runs-for-the-week done, and it wasn't a bad run. (Sorry, for the moment there I forgot that this was a running blog and not an opportunity for me to just have a whinge!)
Hopefully the mood here will be better next time!
Monday, April 27, 2009
No run, but a ride
Today's ride: 31km, 2hrs and 15 minutes
Last day of my holidays today. :-( It would have been a good opportunity to get a run in so that I didn't have to find time to run after work, but since it was a nice morning and a ride is hard to fit in too, I figured this was a good choice!
Since I'm not really big into cycling (yet?...) I just wore a long sleeve running top and some 3/4 leggins. But man, that wind was cold! I think lycra certainly offers more protection from the wind, although we have a running joke in my family about cyclists and lycra. Still, once Dad and I got going, we warmed up enough.
We are lucky that very near my place there are some reasonably new bike paths, and the route we took today was better than the one we took the other day - it is next to a freeway so far fewer roads to cross. And when I say next to a freeway, there is a wall between you and the cars and trucks, which is reassuring because I would never ride just on the shoulder of the road. I am such a woos when it comes to riding, I hate going fast down hills, I hate sharp turns, and actually I hate going up hills too for that matter.
Anyway a pleasant way to spend the morning, and to top it off, I'm off to look at lycra riding stuff this afternoon with my Dad!
Last day of my holidays today. :-( It would have been a good opportunity to get a run in so that I didn't have to find time to run after work, but since it was a nice morning and a ride is hard to fit in too, I figured this was a good choice!
Since I'm not really big into cycling (yet?...) I just wore a long sleeve running top and some 3/4 leggins. But man, that wind was cold! I think lycra certainly offers more protection from the wind, although we have a running joke in my family about cyclists and lycra. Still, once Dad and I got going, we warmed up enough.
We are lucky that very near my place there are some reasonably new bike paths, and the route we took today was better than the one we took the other day - it is next to a freeway so far fewer roads to cross. And when I say next to a freeway, there is a wall between you and the cars and trucks, which is reassuring because I would never ride just on the shoulder of the road. I am such a woos when it comes to riding, I hate going fast down hills, I hate sharp turns, and actually I hate going up hills too for that matter.
Anyway a pleasant way to spend the morning, and to top it off, I'm off to look at lycra riding stuff this afternoon with my Dad!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Holiday goal achieved!
Today's run: 4.9km in 38 mins 33 secs
As I have said in previous posts, these school holidays were all about getting back to some regular running. I had sort of done that towards the end of last term, but weeks 10 and 11 of the term I pretty much gave up and went into survival mode, so the running got ditched.
With that in mind I set myself the target of doing 10 runs these holidays. The idea behind that was that if I could run 5 times a week in the holidays and enjoy it, I would have more chance of being able to run 3 times a week during the term. With good reason I'm not following a training plan at the moment, I just want to be able to get out there and run. I want to MISS running when I don't do it. I want to WANT to go for a run.
Anyway, as the title suggests I did run number 10 today! And generally speaking my runs have all been quite enjoyable. Not every one of them has felt 'easy' or 'blisteringly fast', but they have mostly felt good. I think in the past I have been so bogged down about how many kms I SHOULD be running etc, then feeling guilty if I haven't made the distance.
So what's the next goal you ask? (You didn't ask? Tough. I'll tell you anyway).
My next mini-goal is to run at least 3 times a week for the first three weeks of term. (OK, three weeks is not long, but I need to break things up into manageable bits. If I think about having to do that for the WHOLE term, it just becomes too big of a goal to imagine accomplishing it).
I'm wondering whether I should do some fun runs or races at the moment, or whether somehow feeling like I have to get faster will take the fun out of this again? What do you think?
As I have said in previous posts, these school holidays were all about getting back to some regular running. I had sort of done that towards the end of last term, but weeks 10 and 11 of the term I pretty much gave up and went into survival mode, so the running got ditched.
With that in mind I set myself the target of doing 10 runs these holidays. The idea behind that was that if I could run 5 times a week in the holidays and enjoy it, I would have more chance of being able to run 3 times a week during the term. With good reason I'm not following a training plan at the moment, I just want to be able to get out there and run. I want to MISS running when I don't do it. I want to WANT to go for a run.
Anyway, as the title suggests I did run number 10 today! And generally speaking my runs have all been quite enjoyable. Not every one of them has felt 'easy' or 'blisteringly fast', but they have mostly felt good. I think in the past I have been so bogged down about how many kms I SHOULD be running etc, then feeling guilty if I haven't made the distance.
So what's the next goal you ask? (You didn't ask? Tough. I'll tell you anyway).
My next mini-goal is to run at least 3 times a week for the first three weeks of term. (OK, three weeks is not long, but I need to break things up into manageable bits. If I think about having to do that for the WHOLE term, it just becomes too big of a goal to imagine accomplishing it).
I'm wondering whether I should do some fun runs or races at the moment, or whether somehow feeling like I have to get faster will take the fun out of this again? What do you think?
Friday, April 24, 2009
An ordinary run
Yesterday's run: 3.2km, 26 mins 4 seconds
Yesterday I went out for my normal 3.2km loop. It was my fourth day straight of running (I don't normally do that) and the day after my longest and fastest and bestest run in ages. So as expected, my legs felt like I was running through wet cement for most of the way.
I do think that there was some success in this run though.
a) I went yesterday knowing that it would be hard to fit runs in over the next few days, and I really want to achieve my '10 runs in the holidays' thing.
b) There were several times during my run yesterday when I really felt lazy and lethargic and I wanted to walk. A couple of weeks ago, I would have easily stopped running and started walking, and for the rest of the run it would be hard to convince myself to run again (walking is so much easier!). But yesterday it wasn't as hard as normal to give myself a talking to and decide not to walk, but to keep running.
However small, I'd call that a success!
Yesterday I went out for my normal 3.2km loop. It was my fourth day straight of running (I don't normally do that) and the day after my longest and fastest and bestest run in ages. So as expected, my legs felt like I was running through wet cement for most of the way.
I do think that there was some success in this run though.
a) I went yesterday knowing that it would be hard to fit runs in over the next few days, and I really want to achieve my '10 runs in the holidays' thing.
b) There were several times during my run yesterday when I really felt lazy and lethargic and I wanted to walk. A couple of weeks ago, I would have easily stopped running and started walking, and for the rest of the run it would be hard to convince myself to run again (walking is so much easier!). But yesterday it wasn't as hard as normal to give myself a talking to and decide not to walk, but to keep running.
However small, I'd call that a success!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
A mad, mad run
Today's run: 6.4km in 49 mins 54 secs
Today I am really cranky about some things that have been said to me. I won't go into the detail of what that is here, but suffice to say I went out and did my best run in ages!
I left the Ipod at home so I could think over the issue, with a view to 'getting over it'. Well, I didn't get over it, I got even madder, but my form felt great, my legs were turning over faster than usual (well, ok, I'm still slow) and I kept going for longer than I have in a while!
I even got to the point today where I really wanted to run, and felt like I needed a run, a feeling I have been hoping for and trying to kindle as I build back to where I used to be. In the holidays I usually run when I get up (and I get up late in the holidays!), but today I had something being delivered this morning and had to be home. So I got showered and dressed for the rest of my day. On so many other days I would have not bothered with a run under those conditions (I hate running later in the day), but after my delivery came, I actually really felt like pounding some frustration out!
So I'm still mad, but it's nice to have a good run every now and then!
Today I am really cranky about some things that have been said to me. I won't go into the detail of what that is here, but suffice to say I went out and did my best run in ages!
I left the Ipod at home so I could think over the issue, with a view to 'getting over it'. Well, I didn't get over it, I got even madder, but my form felt great, my legs were turning over faster than usual (well, ok, I'm still slow) and I kept going for longer than I have in a while!
I even got to the point today where I really wanted to run, and felt like I needed a run, a feeling I have been hoping for and trying to kindle as I build back to where I used to be. In the holidays I usually run when I get up (and I get up late in the holidays!), but today I had something being delivered this morning and had to be home. So I got showered and dressed for the rest of my day. On so many other days I would have not bothered with a run under those conditions (I hate running later in the day), but after my delivery came, I actually really felt like pounding some frustration out!
So I'm still mad, but it's nice to have a good run every now and then!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
"Kaizen"
Today's run: 3.2km, 25 mins 4 secs
Nothing much exciting to report about my run today. I had planned on doing my 4.8km loop, but about halfway there were a few spots of rain. For the record, I didn't wimp out because of the rain, but I did call it quits early and make the loop shorter because I had my Ipod on. It's still relatively new and I'm not sure that my arm band will really protect it from rain... I would hate for it to die already!
Mentally I'm still struggling a little with not pushing myself to go too far or too fast, but as I have said before, I think slow and comfy is the way to KEEP me running longer term. There is a Japanese term 'kaizen' that means something like 'slowly, slowly' that captures it for me. The analogy that I had was someone starting running. The first day you go for a 10 minute walk. Then a 10 minute walk and somewhere in there you do a 10 second jog. The following day the jog is 11 seconds, then 12 seconds etc. Whilst the progress is super slow it's obviously well within what you are capable of. I'm not quite taking it to such extremes, but I it's certainly a principle I think as I go out and do my measly 3.2km runs at such a slow pace!
Nothing much exciting to report about my run today. I had planned on doing my 4.8km loop, but about halfway there were a few spots of rain. For the record, I didn't wimp out because of the rain, but I did call it quits early and make the loop shorter because I had my Ipod on. It's still relatively new and I'm not sure that my arm band will really protect it from rain... I would hate for it to die already!
Mentally I'm still struggling a little with not pushing myself to go too far or too fast, but as I have said before, I think slow and comfy is the way to KEEP me running longer term. There is a Japanese term 'kaizen' that means something like 'slowly, slowly' that captures it for me. The analogy that I had was someone starting running. The first day you go for a 10 minute walk. Then a 10 minute walk and somewhere in there you do a 10 second jog. The following day the jog is 11 seconds, then 12 seconds etc. Whilst the progress is super slow it's obviously well within what you are capable of. I'm not quite taking it to such extremes, but I it's certainly a principle I think as I go out and do my measly 3.2km runs at such a slow pace!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Inspiration
Today's run: 5 km in I-have-no-idea-how-long
I love the school holidays, for a great many reasons, but one of them is that I can pack up and go away for the weekend without having to think about when I'll get my marking done, or how I'll fit things in. So on Saturday morning, it occured to me that the Canberra Marathon was on on the Sunday morning, and why not drive down there to watch a bit of it? Since my sister and her husband lives in Canberra I have free accommodation, and I thought it might give me a little inspiration to keep running!
So on Saturday afternoon I headed down, singing along to Dire Straights in the car! Sunday morning I got up relatively early (considering it was the holidays!)... I had missed the first lap or so of the race but positioned myself at a point in the course where the runners pass by 4 times. One of the things that struck me as the competitors ran past was that runners really do come in every shape and size. There was every age of competitor, some rake thin, some with a few kilos to lose. Some had the most awkward looking gaits, I wondered how they could keep it up for so long. Some were obviously struggling, some were doing it easy (well, it looked that way anyway). Some looked pretty 'normal', and there were definately a few odd-ball looking characters!
Whils tthe thought of getting out there and running for that many consecutive kilometres and hours is an obcene thought at this stage of my "running comeback", I did get a sense of "Well if they can do it, so can I".
I do have no doubt that if I put my mind to it, I could run a marathon. After all, that's what I did when I trained for and ran a half. Aside from my distinct lack of endurance at this stage, one of the biggest hurdles I think I would have is how many HOURS and HOURS it would take each week to invest in training. It was one of my most dominant thoughts as I watched the runners... especially for the back-of-the-packers, it involves such a big chunk of time (already a precious commodity) being invested in training. And for me, at least, it's not only the time on your feet, but time recovering afterwards. I know when I was doing my long runs last year in the morning, I would be absolutely pooped during the rest of the day!
Anyway, strong respect to all competitors!
Following the marathon, I of course went for a run today before I came home. Just a 5km loop around the middle of the lake in Canberra. Normally, it's a beautiful and very scenic spot to run. Well, I suppose it was still scenic today with the autumn colours all around (we don't really get autumn here), but there was quite a cold wind and it was incredibly overcast. I forgot to set my stopwatch too, so I have no idea how long I took, but I can say I did enjoy the run and it wasn't too strenuous. I suppose that means I could have pushed it harder, but like I've said, I'm all about getting back to the consistent and enjoyable training.
I have now done 6 runs in my 10-runs-in-the-holidays goal. Go me!
I love the school holidays, for a great many reasons, but one of them is that I can pack up and go away for the weekend without having to think about when I'll get my marking done, or how I'll fit things in. So on Saturday morning, it occured to me that the Canberra Marathon was on on the Sunday morning, and why not drive down there to watch a bit of it? Since my sister and her husband lives in Canberra I have free accommodation, and I thought it might give me a little inspiration to keep running!
So on Saturday afternoon I headed down, singing along to Dire Straights in the car! Sunday morning I got up relatively early (considering it was the holidays!)... I had missed the first lap or so of the race but positioned myself at a point in the course where the runners pass by 4 times. One of the things that struck me as the competitors ran past was that runners really do come in every shape and size. There was every age of competitor, some rake thin, some with a few kilos to lose. Some had the most awkward looking gaits, I wondered how they could keep it up for so long. Some were obviously struggling, some were doing it easy (well, it looked that way anyway). Some looked pretty 'normal', and there were definately a few odd-ball looking characters!
Whils tthe thought of getting out there and running for that many consecutive kilometres and hours is an obcene thought at this stage of my "running comeback", I did get a sense of "Well if they can do it, so can I".
I do have no doubt that if I put my mind to it, I could run a marathon. After all, that's what I did when I trained for and ran a half. Aside from my distinct lack of endurance at this stage, one of the biggest hurdles I think I would have is how many HOURS and HOURS it would take each week to invest in training. It was one of my most dominant thoughts as I watched the runners... especially for the back-of-the-packers, it involves such a big chunk of time (already a precious commodity) being invested in training. And for me, at least, it's not only the time on your feet, but time recovering afterwards. I know when I was doing my long runs last year in the morning, I would be absolutely pooped during the rest of the day!
Anyway, strong respect to all competitors!
Following the marathon, I of course went for a run today before I came home. Just a 5km loop around the middle of the lake in Canberra. Normally, it's a beautiful and very scenic spot to run. Well, I suppose it was still scenic today with the autumn colours all around (we don't really get autumn here), but there was quite a cold wind and it was incredibly overcast. I forgot to set my stopwatch too, so I have no idea how long I took, but I can say I did enjoy the run and it wasn't too strenuous. I suppose that means I could have pushed it harder, but like I've said, I'm all about getting back to the consistent and enjoyable training.
I have now done 6 runs in my 10-runs-in-the-holidays goal. Go me!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Take your own advice
Today's run: 4.8km in the blistering time of 45 mins 43 secs
I post on a running forum, and just yesterday there was someone who posted a question saying that they had completed the Couch to 5km program, but seemed to be stuck running 5km and couldn't get past that point. It's not often there are questions posted that I feel I am qualified to answer, but this one was different. So I replied that I thought the runner should slow down, even if they felt they were going at a snails pace. Anytime I have wanted to increase my distance, I have found that if I slow down even more I have the longevity in my legs to keep going further.
It occurred to me today as I ran that I have had some difficulty in getting past 3.2km without stopping to walk a few times and running out of energy. Duh! Slow down, Slow Poke! And whilst I struggled to overtake some people who were WALKING around my regular loop, I did slow down, and I did manage to do 4.8km without having to take any walk breaks. My time was embarassing, but I guess you have to start somewhere.
I wore my new shoes for the first time. They felt pretty comfy, although I think I tied them too tight, particularly around the toe box. On my right foot, I got a little pins and needles in my toes! I'll have to adjust them and give them another burl.
Also I ran with my Ipod again... and I wore it on the other arm to normal. Now this is going to sound really OCD, but I am very much a creature of habit. As silly as it sounds, that threw me off completely. My earphone cord tangled the wrong way and I managed to get my arm caught and nearly rip my ear buds out of my ears. To anyone behind me I think it would have looked like someone swinging wildly as they went through a spider's web!
The other funny thing I saw was a crow with a golf ball in its mouth. It just sat there for ages... didn't drop the ball, just staring at me with the giant golf ball. There is another crow I often see on my runs. It has had a broken wing for years now and can't fly, but seems to make a living just scavenging on the ground.
OK well I've now had breakfast and typed all of this, I think at 11am it's now time for a shower and to start my day!
I post on a running forum, and just yesterday there was someone who posted a question saying that they had completed the Couch to 5km program, but seemed to be stuck running 5km and couldn't get past that point. It's not often there are questions posted that I feel I am qualified to answer, but this one was different. So I replied that I thought the runner should slow down, even if they felt they were going at a snails pace. Anytime I have wanted to increase my distance, I have found that if I slow down even more I have the longevity in my legs to keep going further.
It occurred to me today as I ran that I have had some difficulty in getting past 3.2km without stopping to walk a few times and running out of energy. Duh! Slow down, Slow Poke! And whilst I struggled to overtake some people who were WALKING around my regular loop, I did slow down, and I did manage to do 4.8km without having to take any walk breaks. My time was embarassing, but I guess you have to start somewhere.
I wore my new shoes for the first time. They felt pretty comfy, although I think I tied them too tight, particularly around the toe box. On my right foot, I got a little pins and needles in my toes! I'll have to adjust them and give them another burl.
Also I ran with my Ipod again... and I wore it on the other arm to normal. Now this is going to sound really OCD, but I am very much a creature of habit. As silly as it sounds, that threw me off completely. My earphone cord tangled the wrong way and I managed to get my arm caught and nearly rip my ear buds out of my ears. To anyone behind me I think it would have looked like someone swinging wildly as they went through a spider's web!
The other funny thing I saw was a crow with a golf ball in its mouth. It just sat there for ages... didn't drop the ball, just staring at me with the giant golf ball. There is another crow I often see on my runs. It has had a broken wing for years now and can't fly, but seems to make a living just scavenging on the ground.
OK well I've now had breakfast and typed all of this, I think at 11am it's now time for a shower and to start my day!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
One more thing...
I also meant to wish myself a happy 100 posts and 900 visitors! Such lovely, round numbers. As a maths teacher, I have a thing for nice, round numbers.
Wow... I actually have lots to post about!
I suppose, since I actually have a bit to say, that I should do this chronologically.
Let's start with yesterday. I ran over to my parent's place for lunch (I love school holidays... running whenever I want without struggling to fit it in!) by a new longer route. The route itself was nice, but I had trouble with my back. After the first 30 minutes or so, I just found that with every step I took I had a jarring sensation in my lower back (and by lower back, I almost mean the top of my bum). It got so that it mostly turned into a walk over to Mum and Dad's. But it was a lovely walk... the sun was shining, I was on holidays, it was warmer than it has been in a while... one of those days when it's glorious to be alive!
I think part of the reason for my back ache was my shoes. They are really old. No, even older than whatever you're thinking. Not only have I had them for years, but they have about 650km on them, and that's since I started keeping a log of my running. They have just about NO tread under the ball of the foot and the lining inside is torn in a few places. Now I have read all the information out there that says you should change your shoes much more frequently than that. But because my running has been so stop / start, each time I start again, I think I should buy some new shoes. But then I questions whether its worth the money if I'm going to lose interest in running again. Now that I have a mortgage hanging round my neck finding $150-$200 for a pair of shoes is no easy feat (or "feet"... get it?!).
But after yesterday's effort I decided I had to bite the bullet. I had been to the Athlete's Foot a couple of weeks ago, and had asked to try some runners on that were the current model of my old ones (Mizuno Wave Maverick, to be exact). So I tried some on, and the lady there tried to sell me some orthotics, for my perfectly evenly balanced, not-rolling-in and not-rolling-out feet. If MY feet need orthotics, then there is NO help for anyone else! I felt so pressured by the sales person I ended up not buying anything. Yesterday though, I went back and was very insistent on the model I wanted, which were $159. They wanted me to try on a pair that were $199, and supposedly the "model up" from mine. However the sole under the heel and under the ball of the foot was soooo cushioned I felt like Neil Armstrong bouncing up and down in them! So I went with my gut, which was the $159 ones that felt exaclty like my oldies, only new!
Here's a picture of the pretty things........
Nice and shiny and new!
I know lots of advice is to go to a proper running store to get fitted for shoes, but in all honesty, there isn't one within a 50 minute drive of me. So as long as these are as comfy and good as my ol' faithfuls, then I'll be very happy.
I'll have to give them a test run tomorrow.
The other thing that I did isn't really running related, but exercise related, so I guess it counts enough to post on here. It's my blog anyway, and I'll do what I want to!
I went for a bike ride this morning with my Dad. He rides regularly, about an hour or so every day, now that he is retired. I haven't ridden in months and months, but the weather has been so nice I figured a ride would be a good way of getting some extra exercise, but would be a change from running. So this morning we did a 35km ride over about 3 and a half hours. Now that may sound pathetically slow to anyone who cycled, but it was just a lovely leisurely ride... we didn't want to break any records (don't worry... we didn't!), just enjoy the ride. There were some painful hills at the beginning and end, and lots of traffic lights to cross at at the beginning and end, but aside from that the middle part of the ride was great. Long, uninterrupted stretches of bike paths and gentle undulations. We even stopped for a coffee at Mc Donalds on teh way home to get some extra energy!
Of course the only down side to the bike ride is that I now have a case of what I termed "bicyle butt". You know, the bruises that develop on your sensitive tail bone from too many hours in the saddle! Hopefully my butt recovers so I can try out my new kicks tomorrow!
Phew.... I'm now exhausted from writing so much.... I don't think I've ever had a post this long!
Let's start with yesterday. I ran over to my parent's place for lunch (I love school holidays... running whenever I want without struggling to fit it in!) by a new longer route. The route itself was nice, but I had trouble with my back. After the first 30 minutes or so, I just found that with every step I took I had a jarring sensation in my lower back (and by lower back, I almost mean the top of my bum). It got so that it mostly turned into a walk over to Mum and Dad's. But it was a lovely walk... the sun was shining, I was on holidays, it was warmer than it has been in a while... one of those days when it's glorious to be alive!
I think part of the reason for my back ache was my shoes. They are really old. No, even older than whatever you're thinking. Not only have I had them for years, but they have about 650km on them, and that's since I started keeping a log of my running. They have just about NO tread under the ball of the foot and the lining inside is torn in a few places. Now I have read all the information out there that says you should change your shoes much more frequently than that. But because my running has been so stop / start, each time I start again, I think I should buy some new shoes. But then I questions whether its worth the money if I'm going to lose interest in running again. Now that I have a mortgage hanging round my neck finding $150-$200 for a pair of shoes is no easy feat (or "feet"... get it?!).
But after yesterday's effort I decided I had to bite the bullet. I had been to the Athlete's Foot a couple of weeks ago, and had asked to try some runners on that were the current model of my old ones (Mizuno Wave Maverick, to be exact). So I tried some on, and the lady there tried to sell me some orthotics, for my perfectly evenly balanced, not-rolling-in and not-rolling-out feet. If MY feet need orthotics, then there is NO help for anyone else! I felt so pressured by the sales person I ended up not buying anything. Yesterday though, I went back and was very insistent on the model I wanted, which were $159. They wanted me to try on a pair that were $199, and supposedly the "model up" from mine. However the sole under the heel and under the ball of the foot was soooo cushioned I felt like Neil Armstrong bouncing up and down in them! So I went with my gut, which was the $159 ones that felt exaclty like my oldies, only new!
Here's a picture of the pretty things........
Nice and shiny and new!
I know lots of advice is to go to a proper running store to get fitted for shoes, but in all honesty, there isn't one within a 50 minute drive of me. So as long as these are as comfy and good as my ol' faithfuls, then I'll be very happy.
I'll have to give them a test run tomorrow.
The other thing that I did isn't really running related, but exercise related, so I guess it counts enough to post on here. It's my blog anyway, and I'll do what I want to!
I went for a bike ride this morning with my Dad. He rides regularly, about an hour or so every day, now that he is retired. I haven't ridden in months and months, but the weather has been so nice I figured a ride would be a good way of getting some extra exercise, but would be a change from running. So this morning we did a 35km ride over about 3 and a half hours. Now that may sound pathetically slow to anyone who cycled, but it was just a lovely leisurely ride... we didn't want to break any records (don't worry... we didn't!), just enjoy the ride. There were some painful hills at the beginning and end, and lots of traffic lights to cross at at the beginning and end, but aside from that the middle part of the ride was great. Long, uninterrupted stretches of bike paths and gentle undulations. We even stopped for a coffee at Mc Donalds on teh way home to get some extra energy!
Of course the only down side to the bike ride is that I now have a case of what I termed "bicyle butt". You know, the bruises that develop on your sensitive tail bone from too many hours in the saddle! Hopefully my butt recovers so I can try out my new kicks tomorrow!
Phew.... I'm now exhausted from writing so much.... I don't think I've ever had a post this long!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Ran out of steam
Today's run: 5.8km, 49 mins 15 secs
The first 30 minutes of today's run went a-ok. I did my usual, slow shuffle. However I got to the 30 minute mark and just ran out of steam. I think switched between walking and running, and even walking was something that seemed to suck the energy out of me.
I suppose it shouldn't be too much of a surprise really. For one, there are the easter eggs I have been eating the last couple of days. Then yesterday's great, fast run took it out of me too. Add to that this is my third run in a row (something I haven't done for months and months) and I suppose that's a recipe for not a great run.
3 days down on my run-10-times-in-the-school-holidays goal!
The first 30 minutes of today's run went a-ok. I did my usual, slow shuffle. However I got to the 30 minute mark and just ran out of steam. I think switched between walking and running, and even walking was something that seemed to suck the energy out of me.
I suppose it shouldn't be too much of a surprise really. For one, there are the easter eggs I have been eating the last couple of days. Then yesterday's great, fast run took it out of me too. Add to that this is my third run in a row (something I haven't done for months and months) and I suppose that's a recipe for not a great run.
3 days down on my run-10-times-in-the-school-holidays goal!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
A quick game is a good game
Today's run: 3.2km, 22 mins, 19 secs
Today I ran in the afternoon instead of the morning. I hate running in the afternoon - by the time the day is half over, I have much less energy and motivation. Plus I get so sweaty after a run I really need to shower again and wash my hair!
I ran with my Ipod today, which I had left at home yesterday, and I think it helped. The songs I have on my running playlist keep my fairly pumped, and were responsible for me running much, much quicker than normal. After I realised I was running much quicker than normal, I decided to do a short, quick run rather than a longer, slower run. My pace turned out to be less than 7 minutes for a kilometre, something of a miracle for me in any situation other than a race!
My goal these school holidays is to run 10 times. I don't care how long or how far, but I just want to establish the habit of running again pretty solidly so that when school goes back I have half a chance of keeping it up!
Today I ran in the afternoon instead of the morning. I hate running in the afternoon - by the time the day is half over, I have much less energy and motivation. Plus I get so sweaty after a run I really need to shower again and wash my hair!
I ran with my Ipod today, which I had left at home yesterday, and I think it helped. The songs I have on my running playlist keep my fairly pumped, and were responsible for me running much, much quicker than normal. After I realised I was running much quicker than normal, I decided to do a short, quick run rather than a longer, slower run. My pace turned out to be less than 7 minutes for a kilometre, something of a miracle for me in any situation other than a race!
My goal these school holidays is to run 10 times. I don't care how long or how far, but I just want to establish the habit of running again pretty solidly so that when school goes back I have half a chance of keeping it up!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Back to square one
Today's run: 3.2km, 26 mins 11 secs
Well for the last two weeks I have been bad and have not run. Two weeks ago we were having torrential rain everyday. I might have had some chance of convincing myself to run if it were only showering, or if there were breaks between the downpours, but not in the weather. Then last week was the last week of school. Which meant that I was in pure survival get-to-the-end-of-term mode. It was all I could do to get myself to work each day and home without falling asleep.
So there's my excuses. Sad isn't it?
Today's run, therefore, was rubbish. I had jelly legs, no energy and couldn't even run the whole way. I also had no mental fortitude to make myself keep running when it got hard.
Onwards and upwards then eh?
Well for the last two weeks I have been bad and have not run. Two weeks ago we were having torrential rain everyday. I might have had some chance of convincing myself to run if it were only showering, or if there were breaks between the downpours, but not in the weather. Then last week was the last week of school. Which meant that I was in pure survival get-to-the-end-of-term mode. It was all I could do to get myself to work each day and home without falling asleep.
So there's my excuses. Sad isn't it?
Today's run, therefore, was rubbish. I had jelly legs, no energy and couldn't even run the whole way. I also had no mental fortitude to make myself keep running when it got hard.
Onwards and upwards then eh?
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Numbers
Today's run: 6km in I-don't-know-how-long
This morning I went for my longest run so far - 6km. I was pleased to be able to run this far already, and I was actually able to run the whole way without walking. But I am now very annoyed with myself... as I waited to cross the road at some traffic lights somewhere, I paused my stop watch. I would hate for my times to be even slower than what they already are because of waiting for lights to change. Problem was, as I started running again, I forgot to restart it. Consequently, I had a brief moment where I thought perhaps I had run 6km in 32 minutes (the time my watch said when I got home), followed by the realisation that I had actually paused my watch quite a while a go! I can only imagine my time was ridiculously slow.
I now have the conundrum of what time to enter into my online log. I can't not enter a time (I'm a maths teacher, I love having numbers and statistics), but as I haven't run this distance in a very long time I don't know what to estimate either.
A conundrum indeed.
This morning I went for my longest run so far - 6km. I was pleased to be able to run this far already, and I was actually able to run the whole way without walking. But I am now very annoyed with myself... as I waited to cross the road at some traffic lights somewhere, I paused my stop watch. I would hate for my times to be even slower than what they already are because of waiting for lights to change. Problem was, as I started running again, I forgot to restart it. Consequently, I had a brief moment where I thought perhaps I had run 6km in 32 minutes (the time my watch said when I got home), followed by the realisation that I had actually paused my watch quite a while a go! I can only imagine my time was ridiculously slow.
I now have the conundrum of what time to enter into my online log. I can't not enter a time (I'm a maths teacher, I love having numbers and statistics), but as I haven't run this distance in a very long time I don't know what to estimate either.
A conundrum indeed.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
First goal achieved
Today's run: 4.9km, 39 mins, 10 secs
Well in fact my first goal was to run for 5km without stopping to walk. I ran 4.9km today, but I'm not quibbling over 100m... the route from my place to my parents place is only 4.9km and I wasn't going to jog on the spot to make up the distance! It's nice to see that at least each time I start running again it takes me less to get back to running 5km again.
My next goal is to run 5km regularly three times a week. This week it was my 'long' run.
In other running related news, I went to the Athlete's Foot today to look at some new runners. As comfy as mine are they have over 600km on them and I know they are very worn down. But I didn't want to buy from there as the sales person was quite pushy. She tried to get me to get some orthotics, which I know I don't need and have never used, and tried to sell me a Nike + armband system, when I asked about the Nike + that goes with an Ipod (and which is much cheaper than the armband one!). I did however try on a comfy pair of Mizunos (the equivalent of what I have now) but they were $200 and ever since I got my mortgage a couple of years ago, I have lost my ability to spend money. Now, at face value that sounds good (and it usually is), but it has actually gotten to the point where I find it hard to justify buying ANYTHING that isn't a bare necessity. However I fear the life of my old runners is coming to an end....
I will have to work myself up to splurging on a pair soon!
Well in fact my first goal was to run for 5km without stopping to walk. I ran 4.9km today, but I'm not quibbling over 100m... the route from my place to my parents place is only 4.9km and I wasn't going to jog on the spot to make up the distance! It's nice to see that at least each time I start running again it takes me less to get back to running 5km again.
My next goal is to run 5km regularly three times a week. This week it was my 'long' run.
In other running related news, I went to the Athlete's Foot today to look at some new runners. As comfy as mine are they have over 600km on them and I know they are very worn down. But I didn't want to buy from there as the sales person was quite pushy. She tried to get me to get some orthotics, which I know I don't need and have never used, and tried to sell me a Nike + armband system, when I asked about the Nike + that goes with an Ipod (and which is much cheaper than the armband one!). I did however try on a comfy pair of Mizunos (the equivalent of what I have now) but they were $200 and ever since I got my mortgage a couple of years ago, I have lost my ability to spend money. Now, at face value that sounds good (and it usually is), but it has actually gotten to the point where I find it hard to justify buying ANYTHING that isn't a bare necessity. However I fear the life of my old runners is coming to an end....
I will have to work myself up to splurging on a pair soon!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Ipod running
Today's run: 3.2km in 24 mins, 17 secs
For my last birthday I got an Ipod from my family. It was such a great gift as I'm a miser and won't spend money on things I don't really need, but it's a great toy to have. I have put some music on there, but I haven't set up a running playlist yet. It's on my must-do list for this week. But just playing my songs on shuffle was great this morning - it's something to keep my mind on and it keeps me up tempo.
I need to have a look on the net for some ideas for songs that would be good to run to. I think Eye of the Tiger is probably the most popular choice from what I've seen so far!
For my last birthday I got an Ipod from my family. It was such a great gift as I'm a miser and won't spend money on things I don't really need, but it's a great toy to have. I have put some music on there, but I haven't set up a running playlist yet. It's on my must-do list for this week. But just playing my songs on shuffle was great this morning - it's something to keep my mind on and it keeps me up tempo.
I need to have a look on the net for some ideas for songs that would be good to run to. I think Eye of the Tiger is probably the most popular choice from what I've seen so far!
Monday, March 16, 2009
I love daylight savings!
Today's run: 4.9km, 41 mins 32 secs
Today I ran over to Mum and Dad's for dinner like I used to in the good ole' days. It's nearly 5km, and the best bit was that I ran almost the whole way, just a couple of walk breaks thrown in. Not a bad effort!
The best bit was that it's still daylight savings, and so when I left it was still daylight at 6pm, and when I got there about 40 minutes later the sun was only starting to go down. I'm not looking forward to winter when it's dark when I get home from work....
OK short post today... lesson prep for school awaits (man, work gets in the way of a good time!)
Today I ran over to Mum and Dad's for dinner like I used to in the good ole' days. It's nearly 5km, and the best bit was that I ran almost the whole way, just a couple of walk breaks thrown in. Not a bad effort!
The best bit was that it's still daylight savings, and so when I left it was still daylight at 6pm, and when I got there about 40 minutes later the sun was only starting to go down. I'm not looking forward to winter when it's dark when I get home from work....
OK short post today... lesson prep for school awaits (man, work gets in the way of a good time!)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Chafing sucks
Today's run: 3.2km, 30 mins 9 secs
Today's run was really more of a walk. After running 3km straight for the first time in a long time yesterday I was all out of energy, and besides that I had some bad chafing between the thighs, and under the arms. After a few steps I could feel my skin rubbing and it was quite painful. The best thing I got out of this "run" though, was that I got out there, hopefully starting "getting out there" as a habit!
Today's run was really more of a walk. After running 3km straight for the first time in a long time yesterday I was all out of energy, and besides that I had some bad chafing between the thighs, and under the arms. After a few steps I could feel my skin rubbing and it was quite painful. The best thing I got out of this "run" though, was that I got out there, hopefully starting "getting out there" as a habit!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Third run, and I mean run, not run/walk!
Today's run: 3km, 22 mins 36 secs
And as the title said, I ran the whole way. That seems like such a small achievement in one sense, but in another I've only done two walk/runs before this, so to still have the muscle memory / ensurance to be able to run (ok, well shuffle) 3km is great! It was a beautiful morning for it too - blue sky, lovely temperature.
Now to get back into the habit of some consistent running... with work at the moment (well, I guess at any time really) that's a challenge.
And as the title said, I ran the whole way. That seems like such a small achievement in one sense, but in another I've only done two walk/runs before this, so to still have the muscle memory / ensurance to be able to run (ok, well shuffle) 3km is great! It was a beautiful morning for it too - blue sky, lovely temperature.
Now to get back into the habit of some consistent running... with work at the moment (well, I guess at any time really) that's a challenge.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
I broke my one run streak...
by running for a second time this week! Unvelievable. Soon it will be a habit again!
I ran on Saturday morning after a bit of a lie in. It's so nice not to have to rush around. Got up and got myself ready and did a walk / run around my usual loop. It's amazing how much fitness you can lose so quickly - the loop is only 3.2km. I ended up with a little detour past the newsagent for the Saturday paper and past the cafe for a take-away cappuccino and proceeded to spend the rest of the morning on my balcony reading the paper with my coffee. 'Twas lovely, and I roused myself to get showered after my run and ready for the rest of the day a little before midday!
I ran on Saturday morning after a bit of a lie in. It's so nice not to have to rush around. Got up and got myself ready and did a walk / run around my usual loop. It's amazing how much fitness you can lose so quickly - the loop is only 3.2km. I ended up with a little detour past the newsagent for the Saturday paper and past the cafe for a take-away cappuccino and proceeded to spend the rest of the morning on my balcony reading the paper with my coffee. 'Twas lovely, and I roused myself to get showered after my run and ready for the rest of the day a little before midday!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Take two...
My second attempt at "I'm going to start running again." This one came about because when I did the City to Surf last year with my uncle, I kept bugging him and teasing him that we would do it again this year. Then I stopped running. I spoke to him the other day and after for ever replying with "Nope, that was a one time only deal" and being incredibly sure he would never do it again, he's now said that he would.
So since I couldn't run 3.2km tonight without alternating running / walking 50:50 I had better get back out there a bit!.
Goal 1: Run my 3.2km loop without stopping.
Let's see how this plan goes.
So since I couldn't run 3.2km tonight without alternating running / walking 50:50 I had better get back out there a bit!.
Goal 1: Run my 3.2km loop without stopping.
Let's see how this plan goes.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
I actually ran...
Well my last post was last August after the City to Surf.
Since then, I have been a couch potato. No really, I mean it. I haven't done much physical activity at all.
It's funny, last night just before midnight people were talking about their new year's resolutions and I didn't have any. I didn't actually have a plan to start running again this year. But the last few days I have been feeling bad about myself, and for whatever reason, I decided in the middle of a boiling hot, humid day, to get my fat ass off the couch and go for a run.
I managed 3.2km with 2 walk breaks. Not great, but I suppose it could have been worse. I ran with an ipod for the first time (I only just got one), and I think I'm going to have to create a running playlist.
Of course the million dollar question is... will I run again?
Since then, I have been a couch potato. No really, I mean it. I haven't done much physical activity at all.
It's funny, last night just before midnight people were talking about their new year's resolutions and I didn't have any. I didn't actually have a plan to start running again this year. But the last few days I have been feeling bad about myself, and for whatever reason, I decided in the middle of a boiling hot, humid day, to get my fat ass off the couch and go for a run.
I managed 3.2km with 2 walk breaks. Not great, but I suppose it could have been worse. I ran with an ipod for the first time (I only just got one), and I think I'm going to have to create a running playlist.
Of course the million dollar question is... will I run again?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
